The Brigham Young Winter Home in St. George stands in stark contrast to some of the other LDS Church sites in the area, including Jacob Hamblin’s Home. Brother Brigham’s home is a beautiful mansion surrounded by a large yard and fully furnished with elegant pieces.
President Young suffered from arthritis, and he found that the warm winters in St. George eased his aching joints, so he built a home that he could visit when it got cold in the Salt Lake Valley. Free tours, which take around 45 minutes are given in the summer.
Though the home is large, it is very practical. There is a kitchen, dining area, and living room downstairs. The living room contains an organ that just fit into a wagon box for the trip to St. George. Brigham’s wife would play for him in the evenings. Upstairs there are three bedrooms. The first is small and served as the housekeeper’s quarters. The second is a bit larger and was built for President Young’s wife, Amelia. (Amelia was the only wife that ever spent time at the mansion that we know of.) The third, larger bedroom belonged to Brigham Young.
Most of the furnishings in the house are original, so you can see the numbered drawers on his bureau, the table at which he received revelation, and his walking stick and bed. It is said that Brigham could see the progress on the St. George Temple from his window.
Other things to see at the Brigham Young Winter Home are the gardens, which include a cotton garden, because Brigham established St. George as a cotton mission. He called missionaries to go to the warmest part of Utah and grow cotton after the Civil War.
There is also an office on the premises where meetings could be held. You’ll start your tour in the office with a brief introduction to St. George, so line up on the north side of the building. Tours are FREE.
Directions: Brigham Young Winter Home is located at 67 W 200 N in St. George. Take St. George Blvd west from the 1-15 to 100 W. Turn right onto 100 W and the house will be on the next corner with 200 N and 100 W. There are huge blue signs along the way, so you can watch for them as well.
Hours: Winter 9 am – 5 pm and Summer 9 am – 7 pm. Summer hours started when we were there for Spring Break, but I’m not sure when they end. You could call before, or go early!
